- I Always Thank My God for You – 1 Corinthians 1:4 (9/17/2024) - But we can, and should, thank God for all of those who have received the grace of God given in Christ Jesus, despite our differences.
- Spiritual Gifts and the Church – 1 Corinthians 1:7 (9/30/2024) - If, as a church, we look forward to our Lord’s return, serving him as we do, we can have confidence that we will not lack any spiritual gift.
- A Church Divided Over Its Leaders – 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (2/3/2020) - It is sad and unfortunate when the church is divided. Especially when the division is over allegiance to individuals rather than to Jesus.
- The Power of the Cross – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (8/17/2020) - It is through the message of the cross that the power of God works in the lives of believers. The cross truly is good news for us.
- The Message of the Cross – 1 Corinthians 1:21 (1/4/2018) - In God's wisdom, he chose the message of the cross. An offense to the world, but life to those who believe.
- Christ Crucified: the Power and Wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (12/14/2022) - Some demand miracles. Others want logical proof. But the crucified Christ demonstrates the power and wisdom of God.
- The Foolishness and Weakness of God – 1 Corinthians 1:25 (4/1/2024) - It is through the weakness and foolishness of the cross that the wisdom and power of God are displayed in the creation of a new humanity.
- What God Has Done for Us? – 1 Corinthians 1:30 (1/20/2021) - We should be careful about feeling proud as believers. Who I am as a believer is really all about what God has done in my life.
- The Hidden Wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (10/2/2024) - In the cross of Christ, God’s hidden wisdom has been revealed. It has the power to transform and save all those who put their trust in him.
- The Wisdom of God: Destined for Our Glory – 1 Corinthians 2:7 (9/22/2021) - The wisdom of God is revealed in the crucifixion of Jesus. His death led to our salvation and a coming glory for his people.
- Revealed Through the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (3/4/2025) - I need to be careful that the Spirit guides all of my thoughts. And that is especially true when seeking to understand spiritual truths.
- The Holy Spirit Helps Us to Understand God – 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 (1/5/2018) - God has graciously provided us with the Holy Spirit to help us to understand what he has given us as well as how to live for him.
- Understanding Spiritual Truths – 1 Corinthians 2:14 (5/5/2022) - The things of the spiritual world are foreign to me as a human. But God's Spirit, living with me, helps me to understand spiritual truths.
- A Sign of Spiritual Immaturity – 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (10/3/2024) - Lovingly embrace all true believers as brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of your differences. Doing so is a sign of spiritual maturity
- Only Servants of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 3:5 (11/5/2023) - We need to be careful about attributing a measure of human greatness to our leaders. Great leaders are those who are servants of the Lord.
- Rewarded According to Your Labor – 1 Corinthians 3:8 (3/5/2025) - My eternal reward is based on my position now. It is based on how well I carry out the role that has been given to me.
- Co-workers in God’s Service – 1 Corinthians 3:9-10 (6/1/2023) - Regardless of where you live or the tradition you come from, as believers in the Lord Jesus, we are all co-workers in God's service.
- Building on the Foundation of Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (1/6/2018) - As a believer, build your life on the foundation of Christ with materials that will last. How you build today will impact your eternity.
- Can You Take It with You? – 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 (4/3/2024) - There is a reward when I build on the foundation of Christ with gold, silver, or precious stones. It is a reward that awaits me in heaven.
- Together, We Are God’s Temple – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (5/8/2022) - All true believers join together in producing God's temple. We should be careful that we do nothing to cause division in the body of Christ.
- Being a Trusted Steward – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (2/1/2016) - Jesus is my Lord, who has entrusted me with a task. And it is expected that I will prove to be a trusted steward.
- Faithful Stewardship – 1 Corinthians 4:2 (1/8/2018) - As believers, we have been entrusted with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And we need to exercise faithful stewardship of that trust.
- Leave Judgment to the Lord – 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (5/9/2022) - And God has called each of us to serve in different ways. We are answerable to him, not each other. So, leave judgment to the Lord.
- Who Makes You Different – 1 Corinthians 4:7 (1/21/2019) - We are all equipped in different ways to serve within the body of Christ. Rather than look at others, serve in the way you are gifted.
- The Power of the Kingdom – 1 Corinthians 4:20 (12/17/2022) - The power of the kingdom of God is most commonly demonstrated in the changed lives of those who have committed themselves to Jesus as Lord.
- The Danger of a Little Yeast – 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 (5/10/2022) - Sin in my life is like yeast, starting off little, but growing over time. Don't give the devil a foothold by accepting sin in your life.
- Church Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:11 (1/9/2018) - While it is hard, sometimes church discipline is necessary. Both to stress the seriousness of the matter, and to cleanse sin from the body.
- Exercising Church Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (3/6/2025) - Judging the world around us is something that belongs to God. But judging within the body is something we can, and should, do.
- Judging Angels – 1 Corinthians 6:3 (3/10/2025) - The idea that we, who were made a little lower than the angels, may one day be elevated above them, is an intriguing glimpse into our future.
- Washed, Sanctified, and Justified – 1 Corinthians 6:11 (1/28/2019) - As those who have been washed, sanctified and justified, it is only appropriate that we live the rest of our lives here seeking to honor God.
- Honor God With Your Body – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (1/10/2018) - As a believer, I am called to honor God with all that I am, including my body and activities. Live as though he were with you all the time.
- Contentment in Life – 1 Corinthians 7:24 (1/11/2018) - Regardless of the situation you are in, be content. Contentment in life allows us to invest in the future that God is preparing us for.
- Don’t Be Attached to the Things of This World – 1 Corinthians 7:31 (2/17/2024) - Do not become attached to the things of this world or put your hope in them. They are all temporary and will not last.
- Knowledge Puffs Up; Love Builds Up – 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (11/30/2022) - Rather than be judgmental about non-core beliefs, demonstrate love. Knowledge can puff up a person, but love builds other up.
- One God and One Lord – 1 Corinthians 8:6 (12/20/2022) - As Christians, we have one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus. Together with the Holy Spirit, they are the triune God we worship and serve.
- A Stumbling Block to the Weak – 1 Corinthians 8:9 (1/12/2018) - As Christians, there are many things that we are free to do. But don't be a stumbling block that leads another believer to sin.
- Compelled to Serve – 1 Corinthians 9:16 (8/11/2021) - Imagine what the church would be like today if each of us felt compelled to serve, using the gifts God has given us for the common good.
- Finding Common Ground – 1 Corinthians 9:22 (11/13/2023) - The example Paul left for us is to find common ground with everyone we encounter, in order to be able to bring them to Christ.
- Run to Get the Prize – 1 Corinthians 9:24 (1/13/2018) - Like runners training for a race, as believers, we need to persevere in our faith. Run to get the prize at the end.
- Striving for an Imperishable Wreath – 1 Corinthian 9:25-27 (3/11/2025) - What difference would it make if we were disciplined in living holy and godly lives serving our Lord, striving for that imperishable wreath?
- Examples and Warnings – 1 Corinthians 10:11 (5/17/2022) - There is much we can learn from the Old Testament. Especially, to heed the warnings not to follow the examples of those who disobeyed God.
- The Problem of Overconfidence – 1 Corinthians 10:12 (7/27/2020) - Paul's warning against overconfidence is important today. It is too easy for us to be dependent on self and, as a result, fall into sin.
- Resisting Temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (1/14/2018) - God does not leave me alone in dealing with temptation. He knows what I am capable of. And he always provides a way to escape.
- Do All Things for the Glory of God – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (2/11/2019) - How do I know if something glorifies God or not? For instance, when I go out for a run in the morning, is God glorified? That can be hard to answer. But I try and imagine God being physically present with me in the activity; running down the road alongside me. Am I embarrassed to…
- Causing Others to Stumble – 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 (12/22/2022) - It is important for me to watch my life and words closely so that I do not cause other people to stumble and turn away from God.
- The Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (1/15/2018) - Regardless of how you might view the Lord's Supper, we should remember his death and look forward to his return as we share at his table.
- Different Kinds of Service – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (10/27/2021) - God has equipped all believers for service in the kingdom. But not all the same. There are different kinds of service that he has called us to.
- Spiritual Gifts: Given to the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:7 (1/16/2018) - As believers, each of us has been gifted to serve the rest of the body. Our spiritual gifts are not for us, but for the body.
- Equipped to Serve the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:11 (12/27/2022) - Every believer has been equipped by God to serve the body. And the body of Christ needs what you have been given. So be faithful to your call.
- Unity and Diversity in the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (5/19/2023) - The body of Christ is composed of a wide diversity of members, each with different functions. But together, we form a single unified body.
- A Part of the Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:18–20 (11/8/2023) - Every believer is a part of the body of Christ. And God has given each member an important part to play in the life of the church.
- A Part of the Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:27 (4/22/2019) - If you are truly a child of God, then you are a part of the body of Christ. Be the body part you were called and equipped to be.
- Love: The Most Excellent Way – 1 Corinthians 12:31 (8/16/2023) - Paul encourages us to seek and use the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives. But more excellent than any of the gifts is the way of love.
- Love: the Most Excellent Way – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (1/17/2018) - There are many things we might strive after as believers. But love, the most excellent way, should be right at the top of the list.
- The Importance of Love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (6/14/2022) - Having rights beliefs is good. Doing the right thing is good. And faithfully serving God is good. But they has value only if done in live.
- The Primacy of Love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (10/13/2021) - This chapter makes clear the primacy and enduring nature of love. And this includes debates over doctrine. Do everything in love.
- Perfume and Pennies: Giving With Love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (11/11/2013) - Jesus seems not to be as concerned with how much we give as he is with our motives. When we give with love, it is enough.
- A Definition of Biblical Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (11/10/2023) - What is biblical love? It is patient and kind, it is not self-seeking or easily angered. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
- Our Knowledge Is Incomplete at Best – 1 Corinthians 13:12 (8/18/2021) - Now we know in part, our knowledge of God and his activity is incomplete. But someday that will change and we can more fully understand him.
- The Greatest of These Is Love – 1 Corinthians 13:13 (4/13/2024) - The most important thing I can do as a believer is to love God with my whole being and to love those around me.
- Speak to Strengthen, Encourage, and Comfort – 1 Cor. 14:1-3 (5/21/2023) - Which spiritual gifts are best? The ones that enable you to speak in a way that would strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.
- Encouraging Speech – 1 Corinthians 14:19 (1/18/2018) - When we assemble together as the body of Christ, we should seek ways to be encouraging to each other, including our speech.
- Let All Things Be Done for Building Up – 1 Corinthians 14:26 (3/16/2025) - Our primary focus in worship should be to honor and glorify God. But let’s do it in a way that draws the worshippers into God’s presence.
- Weigh Carefully What Is Said – 1 Corinthians 14:29 (11/16/2023) - Don't be a passive listener of preaching or teaching. Weigh carefully what is said. If it corresponds to the Scripture, take it to heart.
- Hold Firmly to the Gospel Message – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (4/14/2024) - If we abandon faith in the death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Jesus, then we are no longer standing on the gospel.
- Of First Importance – 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (5/22/2023) - The two most important commands are to love God and our neighbors. The two most important doctrines are the death and resurrection of Jesus.
- By the Grace of God – 1 Corinthians 15:10 (4/15/2024) - Be faithful to God, not letting his grace to you be in vain. By the grace of God, be who he has graciously equipped you to be.
- The Importance of the Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:14 (3/17/2025) - How important is Jesus’ resurrection? His resurrection is of the greatest importance. Without it, we are without hope and lost in our sins.
- Hope in Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:19 (1/19/2018) - What is our hope in Christ? That this life is not all there is. That we will be resurrected into new and glorious bodies for eternity.
- The Resurrection of the Dead – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (1/7/2023) - What happens after this life is over? As believers, we look forward to the resurrection of the dead, when we will be raised to new life.
- Baptism for the Dead – 1 Corinthians 15:29 (10/25/2024) - Understanding what Paul meant by baptism for the dead is not necessary in order to understand his argument for the reality of resurrection.
- The Corrupting Influence of Bad Company – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (8/31/2023) - We should be aware of the influence that other people can have on us. Choose to get close to those who will have a positive influence.
- The Other Side of the Grave – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (10/7/2024) - Our great hope is that on the other side of the grave, these mortal, perishable bodies will be changed into immortal, imperishable bodies.
- When the Perishable Becomes Imperishable – 1 Cor. 15:47-49 (1/30/2025) - At the resurrection, when Christ returns, our mortal, perishable bodies will be raised as immortal, imperishable bodies.
- We Will All Be Changed – 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (5/24/2022) - Much is unknown and debated about the end. But what is most important is that Jesus is returning for us, and we will all be changed.
- Let Nothing Move You – 1 Corinthians 15:58 (1/20/2018) - Life can be hard. But believers in Christ Jesus have a hope that nothing can extinguish. So, stand firm in your faith; let nothing move you.
- A Great Door for Effective Work – 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (5/25/2022) - When God opens a door for effective service for you, be sure to enter it. Even if it involves hardship. Be wherever God has called you.
- Do Everything in Love – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (1/22/2018) - Be on guard, stand firm against our enemy. Be courageous and strong. But do so in love. Let love temper everything we do.
- Fight the Good Fight, With Love! – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (12/13/2013) - As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are engaged in a fight for the hearts and souls of men. But we need to be careful to do so with love.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians
Devotional readings from Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth.
